BELCOURT, N.D. – It’s been six months since Leonard Peltier walked out of prison, and the first family reunion he could attend in 50 years went on without him over the weekend.

Relatives expected him, and said they were disappointed the 80-year-old patriarch didn’t show. Instead, Peltier nostalgically cruised the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, telling stories about pretty girls and fast cars. He got takeout chicken, watched CNN and called Willie Nelson’s ex-wife to catch up.

A few miles down the road, relatives from across the country shared a potluck and played games. Peltier drove past the gathering and didn’t stop. Family called him on speaker phone and delivered him plates of food.

The American Indian Movement (AIM) activist said he didn’t attend “for personal reasons.” Accusat

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